October 08, 2008

Xstrata Coal lifts force majeure at Rolleston mine

AAP reported that Xstrata Coal has lifted force majeure on coal shipments from its 8 million tonnes per annum Rolleston thermal coal mine near the flood-ravaged town of Emerald in Queensland.

Mr James Rickards communications manager of Xstrata Coal told AAP that "We have sent out a note to clients today informing them that the force majeure has been lifted and shipments will resume shortly.”

Mr Rickards however clarified that its 6.8 million tonnes per annum Newlands thermal coal mine remains under force majeure. He said “We are still not getting much coal out of Newlands while we are still going through the clean up process due to the heavy rains.”

Mr Rickards said the mines were placed under force majeure around February 19th 2008 near the end of heavy rains.